Baseball Game Preview: Valders Vikings vs. Kiel Raiders

For the second straight game, Valders will face off against Kiel. The Vikings will face off against the Raiders at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday.

Valders is probably headed into the matchup with a chip on their shoulder considering Kiel just ended the team's three-game winning streak on Tuesday. They lost 12-4 to the Raiders.

For Kiel's part, Cade Voelker was a major factor while hitting and pitching. He looked comfortable on the mound, striking out ten batters over five innings while giving up just one earned (and one unearned) run off two hits. Voelker has been nothing but reliable: he hasn't given up more than two hits in three consecutive appearances. He was also solid in the batter's box, scoring two runs and stealing two bases while going 1-for-4.

Voelker wasn't the only one making solid contact as seven players wound up with at least one hit. One of them was Aaron Stephany, who went 2-for-4 with three RBI, one triple, and one stolen base. Those three RBI gave Stephany a new career-high.

Kiel kept the outfield on their toes and finished the game with 12 hits. They easily outclassed their opponents in that department as Valders only managed seven hits.

Kiel's win was their 11th straight on the road dating back to last season, which pushed their record up to 4-1. Those road victories came thanks in part to their hitting performance across that stretch, as they averaged 8.2 runs over those games. As for Valders, their loss dropped their record down to 3-2.

The batters for both teams will have to hit smart on Thursday as both have some strikeout artists on the roster. Valders has been retiring batters left and right this season, having averaged 11 strikeouts per game. However, it's not like Kiel struggles in that department as they've been averaging 9.4 strikeouts. Considering how easily both teams rack up Ks, the hitters on both teams better bring their A-game into this one. Check back here after the action for a full breakdown and analysis of the contest.